Joyfulmind Blog

When we train ourselves to get out of our heads and be more present in “real time” we feel more alive, enjoy more satisfaction, contentment, richness of life and connect to others more easily and authentically.

The researchers used an iPhone app called "Track your Happiness" to ping 2,250 people at random moments throughout the day. Participants were asked: (1) how happy they were (2) what they were doing and (3) whether their mind was wandering or in the moment.

Based on the wandering activity of my own errant mind, the percentage of mind wandering uncovered in the study is probably not surprising. Participants reported being mentally checked-out nearly half of the time (46.9 percent).

What does it matter? Crucially, being mentally checked-out was found to detract from people’s happiness levels.

Ten per cent of task satisfaction (and that inner glow of happiness) did not come from the task itself but from whether people mind wandered or not. In other words, happiness is enhanced by being present with the activities we’re engaged in.

Moreover, the researchers also suggested that less mind wandering is a better predictor of happiness than wealth. For more detailed info on the study, see the excellent article in Scientific American by Jason Castro, November 2010.

AUTOPILOT

That’s not to say a similar activity, day-dreaming, doesn’t have its relaxing upside.

But let’s distinguish day-dreaming (happy, relaxed mental time-out) from aimless mind wandering. Due to the negativity bias of the brain, rumination can tip us into troublesome territory. Autopilot often drives us into past regrets or insecure scenarios about the future. It can fuel excessive resentment and unnecessary worry.

Unwanted consequences arise when we take a back seat and let thoughts and emotions drive our actions and behaviour.

INSTANT GRATIFICATION MINDFULNESSMindfulness reminds me of eating chocolate. On good days, being in the present moment, with senses fully engaged, is delicious. I find it instantly rewarding and reliably good- like chocolate. ​​Mindfulness goes one step further. Unlike chocolate, it doesn’t carry a downside: the calories, the sugar or the guilt. Instead, every time I disconnect from my murky mind and return to the present moment, it feels good.

By training ourselves to get out of our heads and be more present in “real time” we feel more alive, enjoy more satisfaction, contentment, richness of life and connect to others more easily and authentically.

It’s enjoyable. A lot like … eating chocolate!

Copyright Shakti Burke 2017

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